|
Dear Fellow Lions,
This is the beginning of a great year for Lions around the world. I would like to update you on recent news in LCIF. I ask that you share this information with your club and district to help promote LCIF.
Lions Mobilize US$3 Million for China Earthquake
LCIF and Lions clubs members around the world have mobilized more than US$3 million in direct funding and relief supplies to aid Lions-led relief efforts in China. To support immediate and long-term needs, Lions around the world are continuing to respond. A designated LCIF account has been established to help channel donations for the disaster (Please indicate China Earthquake Fund in comments box). A new video about Lions relief efforts in response to the disaster is now available on-line.
CSFII Concludes Having Surpassed US$200 Million
Campaign SightFirst II surpassed the challenge goal of US$200 million just in time for the final announcement of funds raised at convention in Bangkok, Thailand. The final announcement came with a grand celebration, knowing that Lions will now be able to continue the fight against preventable blindness for years to come. Additional information about CSFII is available online, including a template press release for your club or district to share with your local media about the landmark US$7.5 million donation which pushed CSFII over our challenge goal.
U.S. Philanthropist Makes Largest Donation to LCIF
On May 27, LCIF and CSFII received their largest contribution to date from Kenneth E. Behring, a U.S. philanthropist, and his foundation, The Global Health and Education Foundation (GHEF). Behring and GHEF have made a matching contribution of $7.5 million to fund various SightFirst projects around the world, with a special focus on providing cataract surgeries to individuals throughout China.
Visit the LCIF Booth at USA/Canada & Europa Forums
The USA/Canada and Europa Forums are quickly approaching. LCIF will have a booth at both Forums for Lions to learn more about the projects, programs and initiatives of the Foundation. Please stop by the booth to speak with LCIF staff, pick-up LCIF publications or make a donation to LCIF, either in credit card or cash.
New LCIF Exhibit
A new LCIF exhibit is available to clubs and districts to reserve for their convention or community fairs to promote the Foundation. The tabletop exhibit provides an overview of LCIF programs. The exhibit is available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Contact LCIF Communications to inquire on reserving the exhibit at your event. (Please note the exhibit is currently only available in the U.S.)
Participate in Lions World Sight Day
Make your plans now for Lions World Sight Day. Lions are encouraged to hold a sight event during the month of October to be a part of this worldwide event. President Al Brandel will preside over the international Lions World Sight Day, which will be held on the Navajo Native American Reservation in Arizona, USA. Lions will screen for diabetes and other diseases over three days. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.
Support Your Foundation
There are simple ways to show your support for LCIF. Give Back America has added LCIF to their online charity mall. Every time that you shop through the Give Back America site, LCIF receives a generous donation. To find out more and start giving back to LCIF, visit the Give Back America Web site.
You can also show your support by nominating LCIF for the American Express sponsored Members Project 2008. Since nominations are open to anyone, we have a great chance to have LCIF recognized as a standout humanitarian organization, in addition to receiving US$2.5 million in funding to help further our sight programs across the world. Visit the members project Web site today and nominate LCIF.
Yours in Lionism,
Mahendra Amarasuriya
LCIF Chairperson
|
